Collapsible engagement mechanism

ABSTRACT

Devices and systems for collapsible engagement mechanisms are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a front panel, a first side panel connected to the front panel, a second side panel connected to the front panel, and a collapsible portion connected to at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel, where the collapsible portion is collapsible about a hinge.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No.62/728,426, filed Sep. 7, 2018, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to collapsible engagement mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

A collapsible engagement mechanism can be engaged with an engagementstructure. The collapsible engagement mechanism can be utilized invarious ways. For example, a collapsible engagement mechanism can beused to store items, hang items, obstruct a view (e.g., for privacy),and/or be utilized as furniture (e.g., as a table, as a footrest, etc.),among other uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view of a collapsible engagementmechanism, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example of a top view of a collapsible engagement mechanismin an engaged position, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective section view of a collapsibleengagement mechanism in an engaged position, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view of a collapsible engagementmechanism in a collapsed position, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example of a top view of a collapsible engagement mechanismin a collapsed position, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example of a perspective view of a system including acollapsible engagement mechanism in an engaged position and anengagement structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and systems for collapsible engagement mechanisms are describedherein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a front panel,a first side panel connected to the front panel, a second side panelconnected to the front panel, and a collapsible portion connected to atleast one of the first side panel and the second side panel, where thecollapsible portion is collapsible about a hinge.

The collapsible portion of the engagement mechanism can allow for theengagement mechanism to be inserted into an engagement structure. Thecollapsible portion can then be engaged to secure the collapsibleportion to the engagement structure. Securing the collapsible portion tothe engagement structure can prevent movement of the collapsibleengagement mechanism to allow for the collapsible engagement mechanismto be utilized in various ways.

Collapsible engagement mechanisms, in accordance with the presentdisclosure, can provide various benefits. For example, the collapsibleengagement mechanism can be secured to an engagement structure withoutthe use of additional hardware. Additionally, the collapsible engagementmechanism can be collapsed for efficient packaging and/or shipping.Further, the collapsible engagement mechanism can be pre-assembled suchthat a user can utilize the collapsible engagement mechanism withoutassembly.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by wayof illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may bepracticed.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Theproportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, the term “a” refers to one element or more than oneelement. For example, a widget can refer to one widget, or can refer tomore than one widget (e.g., two or more widgets).

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 102 may referenceelement “02” in FIG. 1, and a similar element may be referenced as 202in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is an example of a side view of a collapsible engagementmechanism 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the collapsible engagementmechanism 100 can include front panel 102, first side panel 104, secondside panel 106, and collapsible portion 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, collapsible engagement mechanism 100 caninclude front panel 102. As used herein, the term “panel” refers to asection of a structure. For example, front panel 102 can be a particularsection of collapsible engagement mechanism 100. As illustrated in FIG.1, front panel 102 is substantially straight. However, embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not so limited. For example, front panel 102could be curved or be any other shape. Additionally, front panel 102 isillustrated in FIG. 1 as being solid. However, embodiments of thepresent disclosure are not so limited. For example, front panel 102 canbe perforated (e.g., front panel 102 can include a series of holesthrough the thickness of the front panel 102) which may be utilized forweight reduction, stylistic purposes, and/or functional purposes, etc.

Collapsible engagement mechanism 100 can include first side panel 104.First side panel 104 can be connected to front panel 102. In someexamples, first side panel 104 can be connected to front panel 102 via ahinge (e.g., first hinge 528, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5). As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a device whichattaches two objects to allow the objects to rotate relative to eachother. For example, the hinge connecting first side panel 104 to frontpanel 102 can allow first side panel 104 to rotate relative to frontpanel 102 as is further described herein.

First side panel 104 can include engagement mechanisms 116. As usedherein, the term “engagement mechanism” refers to a mechanism thatengages an engagement structure when collapsible engagement mechanism100 is in the engaged position such that collapsible engagementmechanism 100 is unable to move relative to the engagement structure.For example, engagement mechanisms 116 can engage an engagementstructure when collapsible engagement mechanism 100 is in the engagedposition for use as a planter, flag holder, bird feeder, cup holder, ashtray, organization system (e.g., garage, desk, office, etc.), seasonaldecorations, among other examples, as is further described in connectionwith FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, first side panel 104 is substantiallystraight. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited. For example, first side panel 104 could be curved or be anyother shape. Additionally, first side panel 104 is illustrated in FIG. 1as being solid. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are notso limited. For example, first side panel 104 can be perforated (e.g.,first side panel 104 can include a series of holes through the thicknessof the first side panel 104) which may be utilized for weight reduction,stylistic purposes, and/or functional purposes, etc.

Collapsible engagement mechanism 100 can include second side panel 106.Second side panel 106 can be connected to front panel 102. Second sidepanel 106 can be connected to front panel 102 via a hinge (e.g., secondhinge 530, as is further described in connection with FIG. 5). Forexample, the hinge connecting second side panel 106 to front panel 102can allow second side panel 106 to rotate relative to front panel 102 asis further described herein.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, second side panel 106 can includeengagement mechanisms (e.g., engagement mechanisms 218). The engagementmechanisms included on second side panel 106 can engage an engagementstructure when collapsible engagement mechanism 100 is in the engagedposition for use as a planter, flag holder, bird feeder, cup holder, ashtray, organization system (e.g., garage, desk, office, etc.), seasonaldecorations, among other examples, as is further described in connectionwith FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, second side panel 106 is substantiallystraight. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited. For example, second side panel 106 could be curved or be anyother shape. Additionally, second side panel 106 is illustrated in FIG.1 as being solid. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are notso limited. For example, second side panel 106 can be perforated (e.g.,second side panel 106 can include a series of holes through thethickness of the second side panel 106) which may be utilized for weightreduction, stylistic purposes, and/or functional purposes, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, collapsible engagement mechanism 100 includesbase panel 112. Base panel 112 can be connected to the front panel 102.Base panel 112 can be utilized to provide a platform to allowcollapsible engagement mechanism 100 to function in different ways. Forexample, base panel 112 can be utilized as a support so that engagementmechanism 100 can receive materials, items, etc. For instance,engagement mechanism 100 can be a planter, and base panel 112 can beutilized as a platform so that soil and/or plant materials can beincluded in engagement mechanism 100. For example, petunias, garlicgrass, dill, little pine trees, spices, vines, grass, and/or flowers maybe planted in soil included in engagement mechanism 100 and supported bybase panel 112. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are notso limited. For example, collapsible engagement mechanism 100 havingbase panel 112 can be utilized in other ways, such as a flag holder, abird feeder (e.g., having bird seed), a cup holder, an ash tray, garageorganization system, desk organization, seasonal decorations (e.g.,Christmas stocking hangers), etc.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 for clarity and so as not to obscureembodiments of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, collapsibleengagement mechanism 100 may not include base panel 112. For example,front panel 102, first side panel 104, and second side panel 106 mayform an enclosed structure without a base panel 112. In such an example,collapsible engagement mechanism 100 may be utilized to store items suchas lawn tools, grill tool rack, a flag holder, garage organizationsystem, desk organization, seasonal decorations (e.g., Christmasstocking hangers), etc.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, in some examples, front panel 102can include a hook. The hook of front panel 102 may be utilized tostore/hang items, among other functions, and can be located on an insideportion of the front panel 102 (e.g., facing towards collapsible portion108 and/or can be located on an outside portion of the front panel 102(e.g., facing away from collapsible portion 108).

Collapsible engagement mechanism 100 can include collapsible portion108. As used herein, the term “collapsible” refers to being able to befolded up or folded together. Collapsible portion 108 can comprise firstcollapsible panel 110-1 and second collapsible panel 110-2, which can beconnected to first side panel 104 and second side panel 106 (e.g., viahinges). Collapsible portion 108 can be collapsible about a hinge 114.For example, collapsible portion 108 can be folded together via hinge114 connecting a first collapsible panel 110-1 and a second collapsiblepanel 110-2 that comprise the collapsible portion 108, as is furtherdescribed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, collapsible portion 108 can include a firstcollapsible panel 110-1 and a second collapsible panel 110-2. The firstcollapsible panel 110-1 can be connected to the second collapsible panel110-2 via hinge 114. First collapsible panel 110-1 and secondcollapsible panel 110-2 (e.g., collapsible portion 108) can becollapsible about hinge 114 such that the first collapsible panel 110-1and the second collapsible panel 110-2 are able to be folded togetherabout hinge 114, as is further described in connection with FIGS. 4 and5.

Hinge 114 can be a snap hinge. As used herein, the term “snap hinge”refers to a device having a shaft connected to a first object and a hookconnected to a second object, where the hook snaps to the shaft suchthat the hook rotates about the shaft to allow the first and secondobjects to rotate relative to each other. For example, first collapsiblepanel 110-1 can include a hook that snaps to a shaft of secondcollapsible panel 110-2 to allow the first collapsible panel 110-1 andthe second collapsible panel 110-2 to rotate relative to each other(e.g., to collapse towards each other) from an over-center orientationof the first collapsible panel 110-1 and second collapsible panel 110-2(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1) to a collapsed orientation (e.g., asillustrated and further described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5).

Although hinge 114 is described above as a snap hinge, embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not so limited. For example, hinge 114 can bea barrel hinge, Mortise butt hinge, case hinge, continuous hinge,concealed hinge, butterfly hinge, strap hinge, H hinge, and/or HL hinge,among other types of hinges.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, collapsible portion 108 can beconnected to first side panel 104 via a hinge (e.g., hinge 532, as isfurther described in connection with FIG. 5). Additionally, although notillustrated in FIG. 1, collapsible portion 108 can be connected tosecond side panel 106 via a hinge (e.g., hinge 534, as is furtherdescribed in connection with FIG. 5).

Front panel 102, first side panel 104, second side panel 106, and/orcollapsible portion 108 can be a polymer material. For instance, in someexamples, front panel 102, first side panel 104, second side panel 106,and/or collapsible portion 108 (e.g., comprising first collapsible panel110-1 and second collapsible panel 110-2) may be formed of athermoplastic polymer resin. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymerresins may include ultra-low density polyethylene, very low densitypolyethylene (“VLDPE”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), lowdensity polyethylene (“LDPE”), medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”),high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polypropylene, isotacticpolypropylene, highly isotactic polypropylene, syndiotacticpolypropylene, random copolymer of propylene and ethylene and/or buteneand/or hexene, elastomers such as ethylene propylene rubber, ethylenepropylene diene monomer rubber, neoprene, and blends of thermoplasticpolymers and elastomers, such as for example, thermoplastic elastomersand rubber toughened plastics. In some examples, the front panel 102,first side panel 104, second side panel 106, and/or collapsible portion108 (e.g., comprising first collapsible panel 110-1 and secondcollapsible panel 110-2) may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate(PET). However, examples of the disclosure are not limited to the abovedescribed materials. For example, front panel 102, first side panel 104,second side panel 106, and/or collapsible portion 108 (e.g., comprisingfirst collapsible panel 110-1 and second collapsible panel 110-2) may beformed of any other rigid material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood,bioplastics, etc.) The material may be biodegradable. Front panel 102,first side panel 104, second side panel 106, and/or collapsible portion108 can be injection molded, 3D printed, and/or created using othermanufacturing techniques.

Collapsible portion 108 can be in an over-center orientation to preventcollapsible portion 108 from collapsing. As used herein, the term“over-center orientation” refers to an orientation of objects whichcreates tension between the objects which prevents the objects frommoving relative to each other. For instance, as previously describedabove, collapsible portion 108 can include the first collapsible panel110-1 and the second collapsible panel 110-2. In the orientationillustrated in FIG. 1, the first collapsible panel 110-1, the secondcollapsible panel 110-2, the first side panel 104, and the second sidepanel 106 are oriented such that a tension between the first collapsiblepanel 110-1 and the second collapsible panel 110-2 prevents thecollapsible portion 108 from collapsing from the over-center orientation(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1) to a collapsed orientation (e.g., asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5). Collapsible portion 108 can becollapsible such that collapsible engagement mechanism 100 may be easierstored, transported, packaged, inserted into an engagement structure,etc., as is further described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5.

In some examples, collapsible engagement mechanism 100 can include alocking mechanism 122. As used herein, the term “locking mechanism”refers to a device to secure an object or objects from movement. Forexample, locking mechanism 122 can lock first collapsible panel 110-1and second collapsible panel 110-2 when the collapsible portion 108 isin the over-center orientation to prevent first collapsible panel 110-1and second collapsible panel 110-2 from moving to the collapsedorientation, as is further described in connection with FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is an example of a top view of a collapsible engagement mechanism200 in an engaged position, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, collapsibleengagement mechanism 200 can include front panel 202, first side panel204, second side panel 206, base panel 212, first collapsible panel210-1, and second collapsible panel 210-2. First side panel 204 caninclude first engagement mechanism 216. Second side panel 206 caninclude second engagement mechanism 218.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and previously described in connection withFIG. 1, collapsible portion 208 can include first collapsible panel210-1 and second collapsible panel 210-2. First collapsible panel 210-1can be connected to first side panel 204 by a hinge (e.g., hinge 532, asis further described in connection with FIG. 5) such that firstcollapsible panel 210-1 can rotate relative to first side panel 204.Second collapsible panel 210-2 can be connected to second side panel 206by a hinge (e.g., hinge 534, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5) such that second collapsible panel 210-2 can rotate relative tosecond side panel 206.

First collapsible panel 210-1 and second collapsible panel 210-2 can beconnected to each other by hinge 214. First collapsible panel 210-1 andsecond collapsible panel 210-2 can be collapsible about hinge 214. Forexample, hinge 214 can allow first collapsible panel 210-1 and secondcollapsible panel 210-2 to rotate relative to each other to allow firstcollapsible panel 210-1 and second collapsible panel 210-2 to fold intowards each other when moving from the over-center orientation (e.g.,as illustrated in FIG. 2) to a collapsed orientation (e.g., as isfurther described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5).

As previously described in connection with FIG. 1 and as illustrated inFIG. 2, collapsible portion 208 can be in an over-center orientation toprevent collapsible portion 208 from collapsing. For example, firstcollapsible panel 210-1, second collapsible panel 210-2, first sidepanel 204, and second side panel 206 can be oriented such that a tensionbetween the first collapsible panel 210-1 and the second collapsiblepanel 210-2 prevents the collapsible portion 208 from collapsing fromthe over-center orientation (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2) to acollapsed orientation (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5).

In order to achieve an over-center orientation, first collapsible panel210-1 and second collapsible panel 210-2 can include dimensions and beoriented to cause an angle 213-1 between an inner side (e.g., facingtowards the second side panel 206) of first side panel 204 and an innerside (e.g., facing towards the first collapsible panel 210-1 and secondcollapsible panel 210-2) of front panel 202 to be greater than 90°.Similarly, in the over-center orientation as illustrated in FIG. 2, thefirst collapsible panel 210-1 and the second collapsible panel 210-2 cancause an angle 213-2 between an inner side (e.g., facing towards thefirst side panel 204) of second side panel 206 and an inner side (e.g.,facing towards the first collapsible panel 210-1 and second collapsiblepanel 210-2) of front panel 202 to be greater than 90°. Such anorientation of first collapsible panel 210-1 and second collapsiblepanel 210-2 to cause angles 213-1 and 213-2 to be greater than 90° cancause natural tension between first collapsible panel 210-1, secondcollapsible panel 210-2, first side panel 204, and second side panel 206such that collapsible portion 208 is prevented from collapsing from theover-center orientation to a collapsed orientation.

In the over-center orientation illustrated in FIG. 2, angles 213-1 and213-2 can be greater than 90°. For example, angles 213-1 and 213-2 canbe 105°. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited to angles 213-1 and 213-2 being 105°. For example, angles 213-1and 213-2 can be less than 105° (but greater than 90°) or greater than105°. Additionally, although angles 213-1 and 213-2 are described aboveas both being 105°, embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited. For example, angle 213-1 between first side panel 204 and frontpanel 202 (e.g., 103°) can be different than the angle 213-2 betweensecond side panel 206 and front panel 202 (e.g., 105°) when collapsibleportion 208 is in the over-center orientation.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity and so as not to obscureembodiments of the present disclosure, angles 213-1 and 213-2 can beless than 90° when collapsible engagement mechanism 200 is in theengaged position. In such an example, the engagement mechanisms 216, 218can be a certain thickness to engage an engagement mechanism at a pointwhere angles 213-1 and 213-2 are less than 90° when collapsible portion208 is in the engaged position. Further, a locking mechanism can beincluded to prevent the collapsible engagement mechanism 200 from movingto a collapsed position, as first collapsible panel 210-1 and secondcollapsible panel 210-2 would not be in an over-center orientation toprevent such a collapse in such an example where angles 213-1 and 213-2are less than 90° when collapsible engagement mechanism 200 is in theengaged position.

As previously described above, first side panel 204 can include firstengagement mechanism 216. Similarly, second side panel 206 can includesecond engagement mechanism 218. Engagement mechanisms 216, 218 can be acompressible material. For example, engagement mechanisms 216, 218 canbe a foam material. The foam material can be, for instance,polyurethanes and/or high density polyurethanes such as those used inmaking elastomeric or semi-elastomeric polyurethane products, includingnoncellular or microcellular elastomers, coatings, adhesives, sealants,and flexible, rigid, and/or viscoelastic polyurethane foams, among otherexamples of foam materials. However, embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not so limited to polyurethane materials. For example,engagement mechanisms 216, 218 can be Polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), synthetic paper,polycarbonate, polyacrylics (PMMA), polyurethane, rubber, polyolefinand/or elastic polymers, or the like.

The engagement mechanisms 216, 218 can be a compressible material inorder to engage an engagement structure to provide a friction and/orinterference fit with the engagement structure such that the collapsibleengagement mechanism 200 is unable to move relative to the engagementstructure when collapsible engagement mechanism 200 is in an engagedposition, as is further described in connection with FIG. 6. Engagementmechanisms 216, 218 can extend from a surface of the first side panel204 and second side panel 206 (e.g., have a thickness), respectively, adistance of 0.5 inches, 1 inch, and/or any other distance. Differentthicknesses may be utilized to compensate for differently sizedengagement structures. For example, the engagement structures to whichengagement mechanisms 216, 218 can contact (e.g., such that collapsibleengagement mechanism 200 can be in in the engaged position) may bedifferently sized and/or spaced apart, and the collapsible engagementmechanism 200 can utilize engagement mechanisms 216, 218 withdifferent/various thicknesses based on the size and/or spacing of theengagement structures, as is further described in connection with FIG.6.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 2 (but previously illustrated in FIG.1), collapsible engagement mechanism 200 can include two firstengagement mechanisms 216 connected to first side panel 204. Further,although not illustrated in FIG. 2, collapsible engagement mechanism 200can include two second engagement mechanisms 218 connected to secondside panel 206. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are notso limited. For example, collapsible engagement mechanism 200 caninclude one first engagement mechanism 216 and one second engagementmechanism 218. In some examples, collapsible engagement mechanism 200can include one first engagement mechanism 216 and more than one secondengagement mechanism 218. In some examples, collapsible engagementmechanism 200 can include more than one first engagement mechanism 216and one second engagement mechanism 218. In some examples, collapsibleengagement mechanism 200 can include more than two first engagementmechanisms 216 and more than two second engagement mechanisms 218.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cross-sections of engagement mechanisms216, 218 are rectangularly shaped (e.g., engagement mechanisms 216, 218are rectangular prisms). However, embodiments of the present disclosureare not so limited. For example, the cross-sections of engagementmechanisms 216, 218 can be square shaped (e.g., engagement mechanisms216, 218 are cubes), triangularly shaped (e.g., engagement mechanisms216, 218 are triangular prisms), circularly shaped (e.g., engagementmechanisms 216, 218 are cylindrical prisms), among other cross-sectionalshapes. Further, first engagement mechanisms 216 and second engagementmechanisms 218 can be differently shaped (e.g., first engagementmechanisms 216 can be rectangular prisms while second engagementmechanisms 218 can be triangular prisms, among other examples).

FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective section view of a collapsibleengagement mechanism 300 in an engaged position, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in thesection view of FIG. 3, collapsible engagement mechanism 300 can includefirst side panel 304, second side panel 306, base panel 312, firstcollapsible panel 310-1, and second collapsible panel 310-2.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 1, collapsibleengagement mechanism 300 can include a locking mechanism. The lockingmechanism can lock first collapsible panel 310-1 and second collapsiblepanel 310-2 when the collapsible engagement mechanism 300 is in theengaged position to prevent first collapsible panel 310-1 and secondcollapsible panel 310-2 from moving to the collapsed orientation.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base panel 312 can include tabs 326. Asused herein, the term “tab” refers to a projection of material. Forexample, tabs 326 can be projections of material from base panel 312.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the collapsible portion 308 can include slots324-1 and 324-2. As used herein, the term “slot” refers to an elongatedgroove or aperture to receive an object. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, slots 324-1 and 324-2 can be apertures through a thickness offirst collapsible panel 310-1 and second collapsible panel 310-2.However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. Forexample, slots 324-1 and 324-2 can be grooves in first collapsible panel310-1 and 310-2 that do not exceed (e.g., does not extend all the waythrough) the thickness of first collapsible panel 310-1 and secondcollapsible panel 310-2. The slots 324-1 and 324-2 can receive tabs 326,as is further described herein.

The locking mechanism can be, in one example, tabs 326 being located inslots 324-1, 324-2 of first collapsible panel 310-1 and secondcollapsible panel 310-2, respectively. For example, the tabs 326 of thebase panel 312 can be located in slots 324-1, 324-2 to lock thecollapsible engagement mechanism 300 in the engaged position. In aninstance in which slots 324-1 and 324-2 are apertures, the slots 324-1and 324-2 can receive tabs 326 and tabs 326 may extend partially throughor wholly through slots 324-1 and 324-2. Further, in an instance inwhich slots 324-1 and 324-2 are grooves, the slots 324-1 and 324-2 canreceive tabs 326 and tabs 326 may extend partially into slots 324-1 and324-2. A user can cause the tabs 326 to be received by slots 324-1 and324-2 when the user moves the collapsible engagement mechanism 300 to anengaged position to lock first collapsible panel 310-1 and secondcollapsible panel 310-2 in an over-center orientation to prevent firstcollapsible panel 310-1 and second collapsible panel 310-2 from movingto the collapsed orientation.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the collapsible portion 308 can include aledge 325. As used herein, the term “ledge” refers to a shelf-likeprojection of material. For example, ledge 325 can be a shelf-likeprojection of material from first collapsible panel 310-1 and/or secondcollapsible panel 310-2.

The locking mechanism can be, in another example, tabs 326 included onbase panel 312 being located adjacent to ledge 325. For example, thetabs 326 of the base panel 312 can be located adjacent to (e.g., on topof) ledge 325 to lock the collapsible engagement mechanism 300 in theengaged position. A user can cause the tabs 326 to be located on top ofledge 325 when the user moves the collapsible engagement mechanism 300to an engaged position to lock first collapsible panel 310-1 and secondcollapsible panel 310-2 in the over-center orientation to prevent firstcollapsible panel 310-1 and second collapsible panel 310-2 in theover-center orientation to prevent collapsible portion 308 from movingto the collapsed orientation.

Although the locking mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being tabslocated in slots or tabs located adjacent to (e.g., on top of) a ledge,embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example,although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the locking mechanism can be a hookand loop locking mechanism, a sliding bolt locking mechanism, a rotatingshaft locking mechanism, a chain locking mechanism, among other types oflocking mechanisms.

FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view of a collapsible engagementmechanism 400 in a collapsed position, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4,collapsible engagement mechanism 400 can include front panel 402, firstside panel 404, second side panel 406, base panel 412, first collapsiblepanel 410-1, and second collapsible panel 410-2. Base panel 412 caninclude tabs 426. First side panel 404 can include first engagementmechanism 416. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, second side panel 406can include a second engagement mechanism (e.g., second engagementmechanism 218, previously described in connection with FIG. 2).

As illustrated in FIG. 4 and previously described in connection withFIG. 1, first collapsible panel 410-1 can be connected to first sidepanel 404 by a hinge (e.g., hinge 532, as is further described inconnection with FIG. 5). Further, second collapsible panel 410-2 can beconnected to second side panel 406 by a hinge (e.g., hinge 534, as isfurther described in connection with FIG. 5). First collapsible panel410-1 and second collapsible panel 410-2 can be connected to each otherby a hinge (e.g., hinge 514, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5). First collapsible panel 410-1 and second collapsible panel410-2 can be collapsible about the hinge as is further described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, collapsible engagement mechanism 400 can be inthe collapsed position. As used herein, the term “collapsed position”refers to an orientation of first side panel 404, second side panel 406,first collapsible panel 410-1, and second collapsible panel 410-2 suchthat collapsible engagement mechanism 400 is able to be inserted into anengagement structure. For example, first collapsible panel 410-1 andsecond collapsible panel 410-2 can be rotatable about the hingeconnecting first collapsible panel 410-1 and second collapsible panel410-2 to allow first collapsible panel 410-1 and second collapsiblepanel 410-2 to fold in towards each other when moving from theover-center orientation (e.g., as previously illustrated in FIGS. 1-3)to the collapsed orientation (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4). Firstside panel 404 and second side panel 406 can rotate relative to frontpanel 402 in response to first collapsible panel 410-1 and secondcollapsible panel 410-2 being collapsed. In the collapsed position,collapsible engagement mechanism 400 can be inserted into an engagementstructure. First collapsible panel 410-1 and second collapsible panel410-2 of collapsible engagement mechanism 400 can then be moved to theover-center orientation to secure the collapsible engagement mechanism400 to the engagement structure, as is further described in connectionwith FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 is an example of a top view of a collapsible engagement mechanism500 in a collapsed position, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 5, collapsibleengagement mechanism 500 can include front panel 502, first side panel504, second side panel 506, base panel 512, first collapsible panel510-1, and second collapsible panel 510-2. First side panel 504 caninclude first engagement mechanism 516. Second side panel 506 caninclude second engagement mechanism 518.

As described above, first side panel 504 can be connected to front panel502 via first hinge 528. Second side panel 506 can be connected to frontpanel 502 via second hinge 530. First collapsible panel 510-1 can beconnected to second collapsible panel 510-2 via third hinge 514. Firstcollapsible panel 510-1 can be connected to first side panel 504 viafourth hinge 532. Second collapsible panel 510-2 can be connected tosecond side panel 506 via fifth hinge 534. First hinge 528 and secondhinge 530 can allow first side panel 504 and second side panel 506 torotate relative to front panel 502. For example, when collapsibleportion 508 is being collapsed (e.g., from the over-center orientationas previously illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 to the collapsed orientation asillustrated in FIG. 5) or when collapsible portion 508 is being engaged(e.g., from the collapsed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 5 to theover-center orientation as previously illustrated in FIGS. 1-3), hinges528 and 530 can allow first side panel 504 and second side panel 506 torotate relative to front panel 502, hinges 514 and 532 can allow firstcollapsible panel 510-1 to rotate relative to first side panel 504 andsecond collapsible panel 510-2, and hinges 514 and 534 can allow secondcollapsible panel 510-2 to rotate relative to second side panel 506 andfirst collapsible panel 510-1.

In some examples, hinges 514, 528, 530, 532, 534 can be snap hinges. Forexample, first hinge 528 can be a snap hinge to allow first side panel504 to rotate relative to front panel 502, second hinge 530 can be asnap hinge to allow second side panel 506 to rotate relative to frontpanel 502, third hinge 514 can be a snap hinge to allow firstcollapsible panel 510-1 to rotate relative to second collapsible panel510-2, fourth hinge 532 can be a snap hinge to allow first collapsiblepanel 510-1 to rotate relative to first side panel 504, and fifth hinge534 can be a snap hinge to allow second collapsible panel 510-2 torotate relative to second side panel 506.

Although hinges 514, 528, 530, 532, 534 are described above as beingsnap hinges, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited.For example, hinges 514, 528, 530, 532, 534 can be a barrel hinge,Mortise butt hinge, case hinge, continuous hinge, concealed hinge,butterfly hinge, strap hinge, H hinge, and/or HL hinge, among othertypes of hinges. Further, different ones of the hinges 514, 528, 530,532, 534 can be different types of hinges. For instance, hinges 528 and530 can be snap hinges while hinges 514, 532, 534 can be barrel hinges,among other examples and/or combinations of hinge types.

In the collapsed position illustrated in FIG. 5, an angle 513-1 betweenan inner side of first side panel 504 and an inner side of front panel502 can be less than 90° when first collapsible panel 510-1 and secondcollapsible panel 510-2 are in the collapsed orientation. Further, angle513-2 between an inner side of second side panel 506 and an inner sideof front panel 502 can be less than 90° when first collapsible panel510-1 and second collapsible panel 510-2 are in the collapsedorientation. For example, angles 513-1 and 513-2 can be 70°. However,embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited to angles 513-1and 513-2 being 70°. For example, angles 513-1 and 513-2 can be lessthan 70° or greater than 70° (but less than 90°). Additionally, althoughangles 513-1 and 513-2 are described above as being 70° between firstside panel 504 and front panel 502 as well as 70° between second sidepanel 506 and front panel 502, embodiments of the present disclosure arenot so limited. For example, the angle 513-1 between first side panel504 and front panel 502 can be different than the angle 513-2 betweensecond side panel 506 and front panel 502 when first collapsible panel510-1 and second collapsible panel 510-2 are in the collapsedorientation. From the collapsed position, the collapsible engagementmechanism 500 can be inserted into and engaged with an engagementstructure, as is further described in connection with FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an example of a perspective view of a system including acollapsible engagement mechanism 600 in an engaged position and anengagement structure 636, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 6, collapsible engagementmechanism 600 can include front panel 602, first side panel 604, secondside panel 606, first collapsible panel 610-1, second collapsible panel610-2, and locking mechanism 622. First side panel 504 can include firstengagement mechanism 616. Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, secondside panel 606 can include a second engagement mechanism (e.g., secondengagement mechanism 218, 518, previously described in connection withFIGS. 2 and 5, respectively).

As previously described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, thecollapsible engagement mechanism 600 can be in a collapsed position whenthe first collapsible panel 510-1 and the second collapsible panel 510-2are in a collapsed orientation. In the collapsed position, thecollapsible engagement mechanism 600 can be inserted between anengagement structure 636. As used herein, the term “engagementstructure” refers to a structure to which collapsible engagementmechanism 600 can engage to when first collapsible panel 610-1 andsecond collapsible panel 610-2 are in an over-center orientation suchthat collapsible engagement mechanism 600 is unable to move relative tothe engagement structure 636, and can disengage from the engagementstructure 636 when first collapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsiblepanel 610-2 are in the collapsed orientation.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, engagement structure 636 can be comprised oftwo rails. In some examples, the two rails can be baluster rails. Theengagement structures 636 can be any distance apart and the collapsibleengagement mechanism 600 can include dimensions to interact with thedimensions of the engagement structures 636. For example, the engagementstructures 636 can be spaced 3.5 inches apart, 4 inches apart, and/orany other distance apart and can be any size. First collapsible panel610-1 and second collapsible panel 610-2 can be in a collapsedorientation such that collapsible engagement mechanism 600 can beinserted into engagement structure 636 (e.g., collapsible engagementmechanism 600 can be inserted between the two rails).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the collapsible engagement mechanism 600 canbe in an engaged position. That is, first collapsible panel 610-1 andsecond collapsible panel 610-2 can be oriented in an over-centerorientation such that a tension between the first collapsible panel610-1 and the second collapsible panel 610-2 prevents the collapsibleengagement structure 600 from collapsing from the engaged position(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6) to the collapsed position (e.g., asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5).

When first collapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel 610-2are moved to the over-center orientation, the first engagementstructures 616 connected to first side panel 604 and second engagementstructures (e.g., not illustrated in FIG. 6) connected to second sidepanel 606 can engage engagement structure 636. For example, firstengagement mechanisms 616 and second engagement mechanisms can engageengagement structure 636 such that collapsible engagement mechanism 600is unable to move relative to engagement structure 636 when collapsibleengagement mechanism 600 is in the engaged position.

In order to engage the engagement structure 636, first engagementmechanisms 616 and the second engagement mechanisms (e.g., notillustrated in FIG. 6) can create compressive force(s) on engagementstructure 636 when collapsible engagement mechanism 600 is in theengaged position (e.g., first collapsible panel 610-1 and secondcollapsible panel 610-2 are in the over-center orientation). Forexample, when first collapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel610-2 are moved from the collapsed orientation to the over-centerorientation, an inner side at the edges of front panel 602 can pressagainst a side of engagement structure 636 facing the front panel 602.Additionally, first engagement mechanisms 616 and the second engagementmechanisms can press against sides of engagement structure 636 facingfirst side panel 604 and second side panel 606, respectively. In someexamples, the first engagement mechanisms 616 and the second engagementmechanisms can be compressed by engagement structure 636 due to firstengagement mechanisms 616 and the second engagement mechanisms being ofa compressible material. The pressing of first engagement mechanisms616, the second engagement mechanisms, and an inner side at the edges offront panel 602 against engagement structure 636 can create thecompressive force(s) on engagement structure 636. The compressiveforce(s) can provide a friction and/or interference fit betweenengagement structure 636 and collapsible engagement mechanism 600 suchthat collapsible engagement mechanism 600 is unable to move relative tothe engagement structure 636 collapsible engagement mechanism 600 is inthe engaged position. Additionally, the compressive force(s) can createpressure on the over-center orientation (e.g., as described inconnection with FIG. 2) of the first collapsible panel 610-1 and secondcollapsible panel 610-2, which can prevent collapsible engagementmechanism 600 from moving from the engaged position to the disengagedposition.

The dimensions of collapsible engagement mechanism 600 can be selectedsuch that collapsible engagement mechanism 600 can be inserted intoengagement structure 636 when first collapsible panel 610-1 and secondcollapsible panel 610-2 are in the collapsed orientation and firstcollapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel 610-2 can be movedfrom the collapsed orientation to the over-center orientation to engagewith engagement structure 636.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, collapsible engagement mechanism 600 caninclude a locking mechanism 622. Locking mechanism 622 can lock firstcollapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel 610-2 in theover-center orientation to lock collapsible engagement mechanism 600 inthe engaged position. For example, the locking mechanism can be tabs(e.g., tabs 326, 436, previously described in connection with FIGS. 3and 4, respectively) that can be included on a base panel (e.g., notillustrated in FIG. 6) and received by a slot (e.g., slot 324-1, 324-2,previously described in connection with FIG. 3) included in firstcollapsible panel 610-1 and/or second collapsible panel 610-2. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the tabs can be received by the slotsincluded in first collapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel610-2 to lock first collapsible panel 610-1 and second collapsible panel610-2 in the over-center orientation.

In the engaged position, collapsible engagement mechanism 600 canprovide different functions. For example, collapsible engagementmechanism 600 can be secured between two baluster rails (e.g.,engagement structures 636) on a porch, balcony, and/or other area foruse as a planter (e.g., to receive flowers, grass, and/or other plantmaterials). In other examples, collapsible engagement mechanism 600 canbe secured between engagement structures 636 for use as a privacy device(e.g., to block a view into an apartment/condominium/householdporch/balcony/etc.), flag holder, bird feeder (e.g., to receive birdseed), grill tool rack, lawn tool rack, a cup holder, ash tray,organization system (e.g., garage organizer, desk organizer, officeorganizer, etc.), seasonal decorations, among other examples.

A collapsible engagement mechanism according to the disclosure can be ina collapsed position, inserted into an engagement structure, and securedto the engagement structure by moving the collapsible engagementmechanism to an engaged position without using additional fastenersand/or other hardware as compared to previous approaches. Further, acollapsible engagement mechanism may be in a collapsed position forefficient packaging and/or shipping, and can be pre-assembled for easeof use by a user.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in anillustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of theabove embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically describedherein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes anyother applications in which the above structures and methods are used.Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are groupedtogether in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed:
 1. A collapsible engagement mechanism, comprising: afront panel; a base panel connected to the front panel, the base panelincluding a tab; a first side panel connected to the front panel via afirst hinge; a second side panel connected to the front panel via asecond hinge; and a collapsible portion including a slot, thecollapsible portion connected to at least one of the first side paneland the second side panel, wherein: the collapsible portion iscollapsible about a third hinge such that the collapsible engagementmechanism is configured to be in a collapsed position; the first sidepanel, the second side panel, and the collapsible portion are configuredto rotate relative to the front panel and the base panel such that thecollapsible portion moves from the collapsed orientation to anover-center orientation and the collapsible engagement mechanism movesfrom the collapsed position to an engaged position; and the tab of thebase panel is configured to be located in the slot to lock thecollapsible portion in the engaged position.
 2. The collapsibleengagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the collapsible portion isconfigured to be in the over-center orientation such that thecollapsible engagement mechanism is in the engaged position to preventthe collapsible portion from collapsing.
 3. The collapsible engagementmechanism of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and the second sidepanel are configured to rotate relative to the front panel in responseto the collapsible portion being collapsed to the collapsed orientation.4. The collapsible engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein thecollapsible portion includes: a first collapsible panel connected to thefirst side panel; and a second collapsible panel connected to the secondside panel; wherein the first and second collapsible panels areconnected to each other via the third hinge and are collapsible aboutthe hinge.
 5. The collapsible engagement mechanism of claim 1, whereinthe first side panel includes a first engagement mechanism.
 6. Thecollapsible engagement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the second sidepanel includes a second engagement mechanism.
 7. A system, comprising: acollapsible engagement mechanism comprising: a front panel; a first sidepanel connected to the front panel via a first hinge and including afirst engagement mechanism, wherein the first side panel rotates aboutthe first hinge when the collapsible engagement mechanism is moved froman engaged position to a collapsed position; a second side panelconnected to the front panel via a second hinge and including a secondengagement mechanism, wherein the second side panel rotates about thesecond hinge when the collapsible engagement mechanism is moved from theengaged position to the collapsed position; a base panel connected tothe front panel, the base panel including a tab; and a collapsibleportion including a slot, the collapsible portion connected to at leastone of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein: thecollapsible portion is collapsible about a third hinge such that thecollapsible engagement mechanism is configured to be in the collapsedposition; the first side panel, the second side panel, and thecollapsible portion are configured to rotate relative to the front paneland the base panel such that the collapsible portion moves from thecollapsed orientation to an over-center orientation and the collapsibleengagement mechanism moves from the collapsed position to the engagedposition; and the tab of the base panel is configured to be located inthe slot to lock the collapsible portion in the engaged position.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the system further includes an engagementstructure.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the collapsible engagementmechanism is configured to be inserted into the engagement structurewhen the collapsible portion is in the collapsed orientation.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the first engagement mechanism and the secondengagement mechanism are configured to engage the engagement structurewhen the collapsible portion is in the over-center orientation such thatthe collapsible engagement mechanism is unable to move relative to theengagement structure when the collapsible engagement mechanism is in theengaged position.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein: the collapsibleportion includes a ledge; and the tab of the base panel is configured tobe located adjacent to the ledge to lock the collapsible portion in theengaged position.
 12. A collapsible engagement mechanism, comprising: afront panel; a base panel connected to the front panel, the base panelincluding a tab; a first side panel including a first engagementmechanism and connected to the front panel via a first hinge; a secondside panel including a second engagement mechanism and connected to thefront panel via a second hinge; and a collapsible portion including aslot, the collapsible portion connected to at least one of the firstside panel and the second side panel, wherein the collapsible portionincludes: a first collapsible panel connected to the first side panel;and a second collapsible panel connected to the second side panel;wherein the first and second collapsible panels are connected to eachother via a third hinge; and wherein: the collapsible portion iscollapsible about the third hinge when the collapsible engagementmechanism is in a collapsed position; the collapsible portion isconfigured to be moved from the collapsed orientation to an over-centerorientation such that the first side panel, the second side panel, andthe collapsible portion are configured to rotate relative to the frontpanel and the base panel such that the collapsible engagement mechanismis in an engaged position to secure the collapsible engagement mechanismto an engagement structure; and the tab of the base panel is configuredto be located in the slot to lock the collapsible portion in the engagedposition.
 13. The collapsible engagement mechanism of claim 12, wherein:an angle between an inner side of the first side panel and an inner sideof the front panel is less than ninety degrees when the collapsibleengagement mechanism is in the collapsed position; and an angle betweenan inner side of the second side panel and an inner side of the frontpanel is less than ninety degrees when the collapsible engagementmechanism is in the collapsed position.
 14. The collapsible engagementmechanism of claim 13, wherein: the angle between the inner side of thefirst side panel and the inner side of the front panel is greater thanninety degrees when the collapsible engagement mechanism is in theengaged position; and the angle between the inner side of the secondside panel and the inner side of the front panel is greater than ninetydegrees when the collapsible engagement mechanism is in the engagedposition.
 15. The collapsible engagement mechanism of claim 12, whereinat least one of: the first hinge is a snap hinge; the second hinge is asnap hinge; and the third hinge is a snap hinge.
 16. The collapsibleengagement mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first engagement mechanismand the second engagement mechanism are compressible.